Of the hundreds of lavender farms across the U.S., authors Gary and Rebecca Rosenberg picked just 18 to be featured in their Lavender Fields of America. Siskiyou County's own Mt. Shasta Lavender Farm was one of those 18.

Not originally intended for the public, Dr. Gail Winslow said that "one thing lead to another," and now the public is welcomed to visit, learn about the versatile plant, and pick fresh lavender.

Winslow and Dr. David McGee-Williams bought the property in 2000 and decided to begin a retirement project. They chose lavender farm – a retirement on par with starting a vineyard or a job as a middle school teacher in terms of restfulness. With no water, power or roads, they began.

Today, the Mt. Shasta Lavender Farm contains a main building, greenhouse, distillery and a lavender labyrinth, patterned on the candlelit labyrinth at Chartres Cathedral, France. 55,000 plants grow across 10 acres and come in three varieties.

Winslow said the lavender does so well there because the farm shares the same altitude and latitude as Provence, France, an area famous worldwide for its lavender. The lavender also prospers on the farm's volcanic soil, and its southwest slope provides plenty of sunlight.

While not native to the area, the lavender is not invasive, either. A bitter herb, lavender does not succumb to pests, and our climate prevents many of the plants diseases. As such, the Lavender Farm uses neither pesticides nor fungicides. Winslow points out this makes the plants especially safe and healthy for our local pollinators.

The farm also lessens its environmental impact through self-sufficiency. It runs on solar power and maintains a drip irrigation system connected to a well. Although the 100,000 gallons of water per week may seem like a lot, Winslow said the amount covers 10 acres of farm, meaning the lavender uses little water when compared to other crops, such as hay, or even municipal use.

The Lavender Farm distills its own oil. Winslow said the amount of oil produced varies from year to year – 5 gallons is their record. The oil is stored for a full year before being sold or used, allowing the oil's properties time to ripen and soften.

Winslow said she is adamant they make everything at the farm. With no legal regulations on lavender oil production, other companies include additives, such as hexane, to their stock, bolstering quantity rather than quality.

This year's been a tough one for the lavender. The freeze in late May in addition to the heat and dry wind means the farm will produce less oil. Yet, the lavender farm remains a must-visit attraction for the area. Visitors can watch the farming and dust devils in the Shasta Valley below, and the view absolutely owns Mt. Shasta.

Page 2 of 2 - Uses of lavender are many and varied. The plant is known for a calming aroma that helps with headaches and as a sleep aid in aromatherapy and herbal teas. It can be used to keep mosquitoes, moths and other bugs at bay. It has also been used as an antiseptic, antifungal and to heal burns – though one should always check with their doctor first, as lavender is a powerful allergen and is not recommended for breastfeeding or pregnant women.

In addition, Winslow points out lavender is a "very versatile herb" that can be used to spice many different dishes. It can also be infused into milks, creams, jellies, chocolates and a host of other delectables.

The Lavender Farm even has lavender lemonade to sample – not pink lemonade, mind, as the lavender itself grants it that distinctive color.